Wrapping vehicles, one of the most challenging self-adhesive applications requires a mix of knowledge, skill, experience, and the right film.



The complexity of curves and the demands required of the film make vehicle wrapping the ultimate test of application expertise and film quality.



This is one area where is it essential to invest in a high quality durable film that can withstand the environmental conditions in which vehicles have exposure to.



One of the main factors affecting film on a vehicle, UV exposure, becomes a greater issue for horizontal orientations, which tax film to the extreme. Durability expectations decrease significantly when a film is applied on any angled or horizontal surface simply due to increased UV exposure. In fact, the effect on durability increases so dramatically that not all products carry a warranty for use on horizontal surfaces.



The New Zealand sun, quite possibly the harshest in the world thanks to the hole in the Ozone layer, makes durability even more difficult. The durability typically quoted on technical data sheets are for unprinted, unlaminated films in vertical orientations for countries that have a lower UV index then New Zealand.



Printing on a 10-year film, laminating and applying to a vehicle in our harsh climate could easily reduce that durability to a year or two. It pays to know exactly what the film you intend to use is warranted for in local conditions. If using a laminate, then it is this layer not the base print film that will determine the final durability.



Get it on and off



Ease of application matters as a significant consideration, not least because labour time features as a large cost in any wrap.



Remember that the true cost of any film comes not the purchase price but it comes from how the film impacts on labour time. A film may appear cheaper than another in the first instance but, if at any point in the application process the film is harder to work with or takes longer to install, the price savings can quickly disappear.



The same applies to removability of the film. If film can be removed easily in large pieces, it will reduce the labour and the cost. If the film leaves any adhesive residue, how much it leaves will impact on the cost to client due to the time taken on clean up.



Don’t consider it a given that a permanent film designed for long term car wraps will leave adhesive behind. With some films find removal an easy process with a quick clean up to three years after application. Paying more for these installation and removal features works as a worthwhile investment for the client.



Vehicle details



Prior to purchasing any film, you need to know the specific vehicle that the client wants you to wrap.



It sounds obvious but many failures come about because of a lack of consideration of the different characteristics of the vehicle prior to film selection and installation.



It may appear a typical car model but you could find modifications such as spoiler kits or other specific aspects that will impact on the films ability to adhere.



All films have a limit of conformability, a point to which they can be stretched and remain in position. These limits can vary between brands and even within a product range. For example, coloured films designed for car personalisation can differ in conformability and performance depending on the effect and composition of the top sheet.



Digital prints that are laminated will also have a reduced conformability depending on the type and thickness of laminate used. By closely examining the complexity of curves on the vehicle and then matching it to the right film, you can eliminate future failures.



Crucial preparation



Prior to selecting a film, examine the complexity of curves of the vehicle so you can match it to a film that can perform to that level.



You need to discuss difficult areas with the customer prior to commencing the job so they have an understanding of what the final wrap will look like. This is because some cars have extreme indentations or protrusions that you can’t successfully cover in film long-term or you can only cover them done by cutting or patching the film.



You need to understand the information on the technical data sheet and the application material supplied by the manufacturer. Discuss any aspects from the data sheet that you feel unsure about with your supplier.



The data sheets have information about specific considerations you need to know about when you use a particular film and how you need to treat that film.



The application method between brands does not differ too much but you need to know about the slight variances between them. For instance, some film may not suit cutting in deep recesses or may require special application techniques. 



Consider the quality and the composition of the vehicle surface because this will count towards how well the film applies and stays in position. Ask the vehicle owner about the paintwork and perform a pre-application inspection of the car to make sure you will not encounter any issues or nasty surprises later.



Your evaluation must include determining the quality of the paintwork. Is it original? Has it undergone respray work or repairs? Recently completed paint work, or filler use, can seriously affect film adhesion. Also, if the painted surface has a weak, the film could damage the paint work on removal or during repositioning on application. 



So, get to know your surface and avoid wrapping gaskets, rust, rubber seals and ABS plastics. Look for scratches, chips or imperfections on the surface of the car. Document these to make sure you can handle any complaints from your customer when the film is removed. Write them down and photograph them.



You need to begin your vehicle prep well before application begins. Make sure you have a completely dry vehicle, especially in critical areas like seams and rivets. Any trapped moisture will delay adhesion. Where paint surfaces have wax or special conditioning, you will need to remove these with the appropriate chemical cleaner



Just prior to application, you need to wipe down the vehicle with isopropyl alcohol, followed by a wet rag and then dry with a dry rag rather than allowing for evaporation which could leave contaminants on the surface.



Thorough preparation saves time later on.



Your application site will be dust, wind and moisture free, and temperature controlled.  If this is not the case, then you need to take special care.



Temperature matters most. It influences application and adhesion. If the ambient temperature is too cold, then the film will not be pliable and the adhesive will not be fluid enough to stick well. While a heat gun should be used to relax the media, if the vehicle surface is too cold then the heated film will cool down too quickly and application will need to be done more slowly heating a smaller area of film at a time.



Correctly post heating the film after application involves the film reaching a certain temperature in order to relieve any tension created by stretching the film and to set the adhesive. Failure to reach the right level of heat will cause the film to lift in recesses over time. After application, make sure the film has no exposure to extreme cold for a number of hours to avoid thermal shock which could cause the film to lift.



Vehicle wraps have a number of uses: corporate branding; as mobile billboard; or for personal reasons. No matter what the reason your customer has for purchasing a vehicle wrap, you can ensure their satisfaction by understanding all the issues involved.



If you follow the basic rules, you can make wrapping vehicles a profitable part of your business.

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